Thanksgiving In North Dakota
They are dancing today Here in his people's homeland. A brave young man from Mandaree, Nathan Goodiron Knew his destiny lay across the sea. Standing tall, he signed to fight, Guard Unit 188th Artillery. In a place called Iraq he fell, Valiant to the end they say. In the frozen grass they dance, North Dakota snow on the ground, Giving way to ice beneath their shuffling feet. It is a solemn tribute they say, Now nearing the close of its first day. North Dakota's frosty moon slowly rises Overhead illuminating The People, Round the drum they sit, Thudding on it's stretched leather head. Heart's saddened by the memory of a brave man now dead. Do you remember all the brave fallen Americans who stood to fight beside white brothers? Kiowa, Blackfoot, Hidatsu, Mohawk, Cherokee, Ottawa, Cree, Ute, and Pawnee, Two more days the drums will beat as the Powwow, An ancient tradition commemorates a soul set free.
The Death Clock
Standing at a too young man's graveside.
A cold North Dakota November wind
blew snow up my uniform pants leg.
As the honor guard leader called
"ready, aim, fire,"
to signal the gun salute,
I paused to reflect how John
and I talked while working on his plane
the day before yesterday
He had been happy and
looking forward to Christmas
with his two year old daughter.
I had squandered chances
to tell him how great a man
he had become, and how being a
good father and husband
had made him into more
than he ever could have become alone.
I learned that day,
standing on a cold hill
in a North Dakota snow storm
that the promise of tomorrow
is but an illusion.
Do what needs to be done today.
Time keeps ticking
and The Death Clock's alarm
is set to ring
at a different time for everyone.
Standing at a too young man's graveside.
A cold North Dakota November wind
blew snow up my uniform pants leg.
The Flag Above
Red, white and blue she flies, Edging away from her tethers, Demanding we stand and salute. Where the flag pole stood High in front of the Post Office, I saw a young girl carrying Three red roses, pause at it's base. Earnestly she knelt as though to pray. Baffled I edged closer. "Lord help the flag watch over my daddy." Under my breath I said "amen." Emotional, I turned away, as she left the roses. I contemplated God, roses, flags, love, and service. May God watch and protect all who march under His banner.
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